After an Earthquake

Be prepared for aftershocks. Even though aftershocks are smaller than the main shock, they can cause damage and may cause weakened structures to fall down. After shocks can occur hours, days, weeks or even months after the quake. The first thing to do is help injured or trapped people. Give first aid where needed. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger. Call for help. Listen to the battery operated radio for the latest emergency information. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, elderly people or handicapped people. If you are at home and you aren’t giving first aid, check for hazards such as fire, gas leaks or damaged electrical wiring. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the main gas valve, open the windows and go to the neighbor’s house to call the Gas Company. The Gas Company will also need to turn it back on for you once the damage is repaired. If you notice damaged electrical wiring, you will need to shut off the power at the control box and have it repaired. For downed or damaged utility lines, stay away from them even if power appears to be off. Be careful as you go through your house and open doors because displaced objects may fall when you open the door. Always approach chimneys with caution, because they may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock. Check to make sure your phone is on the receiver, because telephones off the hook tie up the telephone network unnecessarily. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. If you live along the coast, be alert for news of tsunami warnings issued by the federal government’s Tsunami Warning Center. If an earthquake is centered nearby, there will not be time to issue a warning. Move to higher ground or go to the upper floors of a building as soon as you are able and stay there until the authorities issue an all clear. If you must leave your home after the earthquake, for any reason, such as tsunami or to go to your planned family gathering point or to find a family member, take your Survival Kit your first aid kit with you. Take important papers with you, including your driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories. Let neighbors or a relative know where you are going. Lock windows and doors. Turn off electricity at the main breaker. Store valuables in your empty appliances, such as your washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, or microwave. Pack some dry clothes in plastic bags. Put plastic bags over TVs, lamps, computers, etc.

• Help injured or trapped people.
• Listen to battery operated radio for emergency info.
• Check your home for hazards.
• If you must leave your home, take your Survival Kit and your first aid with you.